The Best DSLR Cameras

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For when your phone won't cut it.

By Timothy J. Sepalla

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The big photo "buzz" this year was mirrorless cameras, but the DSLR isn’t dead. Not by a long shot. Because DSLRs have been around so long they offer some advantages over their smaller, mirrorless counterparts. Namely, there are a plethora of bodies and lenses to choose from, and whether you’re just getting started, or upgrading, there’s a quality option at every price point.

If you can’t quite afford a new camera, there’s nothing wrong with picking up a refurbished model at a fraction of the price, as they often come with a full manufacturer’s warranty. DSLRs don’t tend to age nearly as fast as other electronics so even if you find a body that’s five or six years old, while it might not have the same features as a newer body, it’ll still be a huge upgrade over your smartphone or point-and-shoot camera.

That can be true even if the megapixel count is lower, because the size of the image sensor on a full-frame DSLR is roughly 50 times larger than most smartphone image sensors. This means they can capture more detail, are better in low light, and have way more options for depth of field, not to mention giving you the ability to make huge prints.

Perhaps the biggest advantage of getting a DSLR is that there are a ton of lenses and adapters available as well, so you are only limited by your budget, and won’t be locked into one camera company's pricey lens ecosystem. Regardless of your budget and experience level, to help make the journey less intimidating, I’ve rounded up the best DSLR options for most types of shooters.

Best Entry-Level DSLR – Nikon D3500

With what you get for the money, there’s not a lot to complain about regarding the D3500 from Nikon. It's a 24.2-megapixel crop-frame sensor mated to the pretty stellar 18 - 55mm f/3.5-5.6G vibration reducing kit lens that takes great photos, with the lens offering plenty of versatility for DSLR novices. At just over a pound (body only), the D3500 is light enough that unless you’re using a telephoto lens, you probably won’t even feel it in your bag. Even better? Aspiring shutterbugs won’t have to worry about their battery not keeping up: Nikon rates the included battery at over 1,500 shots. That should be more than enough juice for a short vacation if you forgot your charger at home.

Best Midrange DSLR – Canon EOS 80D

If you don’t want to leave touchscreens behind just because you’re upgrading from your smartphone, give the Canon EOS 80D a look. The 3-inch articulating LCD allows for touch focusing in both still and video modes, and continuous autofocus for the latter. To go even further down the video path, the 80D features built-in mic /and/ headphone sockets, and the camera can capture 1080p footage at up to 60 frames per-second. As far as stills go, the 80D’s 24.2 megapixel APS-C sensor can shoot up to 7 frames per second with autofocus, and this model’s 45-point autofocus comes from the pricier full-frame EOS 6D Mark II. As such, it keeps moving subjects in focus relatively easily. Good noise control means you can get usable low-light shots up to ISO 16,000.

Best Prosumer DSLR – Nikon D850

For years Nikon played second fiddle to Canon in the realm of video performance. The company could hold its own with stills, but the 1080p video in its prosumer DSLRs was a relic from a bygone era. That changed with the D850. The body’s 45.7 megapixel sensor captures 4K video and, with an added accessory, can process 8K time-lapse footage. For still shooters though, it’s all about speed. The D850 in’t a slouch in that regard either, boasting a continual shooting speed that can rival sports cameras that are half the resolution. With an optional battery grip and special battery, you can hit nine frames per-second at full resolution, or without the grip (and with a fast enough memory card) seven frames per second.

It also shares an autofocus system with Nikon’s pro-level D5. Dual memory card slots offer plenty of flexibility, and as far as battery life goes, well, the D850 offers an impressive 1,840 shots. There’s also an articulating high-res touchscreen on the back for access to shooting controls and composing shots in difficult situations. If you're looking for a camera with either high-speed or high-resolution, this camera gives you both.

Best Canon/Nikon alternative – Sony Alpha A99 Mk II

If you want a great DSLR with a high-megapixel sensor, lots of lenses and killer performance, you aren’t stuck choosing between Canon or Nikon anymore. Meet the Sony A99 Mk ii. Its 42.4 megapixel CMOS sensor puts it in the same company as the Nikon D850, but there’s a difference between this and other cameras on this list: it isn’t exactly a DSLR. Instead of using a moving mirror assembly for the viewfinder and auto-focus, the A99 uses a fixed “translucent” mirror that allows light to pass through it onto the sensor, so auto-focus is always functional. It's basically a hybrid camera of sorts, straddling the space between DSLR and mirrorless. The result is a 12 frame per-second burst mode, 4K video capture, in-camera image stabilization and an autofocus system with up to 399 points depending on the mode you select.

Best Pro DSLR – Canon EOS 1DX Mk II

What the Canon EOS-1D X Mk II lacks in resolution it makes up in speed. The 20.2 megapixel sensor might be the lowest on this list but it won't hinder any pro shooter. The DSLR can shoot 4K video and has a 14 frames per-second burst mode with a 200 shot buffer if you’re shooting Raw + JPEG, making it ideal for pro sports and wildlife photographers. Great dynamic range and low-light performance is on tap as well, with impressive RAW quality. Canon’s dual-pixel autofocus system helps track fast-moving subjects, while the beefy battery (and built-in battery grip) means you can take over a thousand shots before you need to recharge. Sure, it’s pricey, but for a professional shooter the 1DX is hard to beat.

Timothy J. Seppala is a Detroit-based freelance reporter who has crammed a 5.1 surround system into every place he's lived, regardless of room size. When he's not shaking the walls with movies, music and games, he's usually exploring the Motor City with his camera.